2020 TRANSITION SERVICES GUIDE 2020 AFL PLAYERS’ | TRANSITION SERVICES GUIDE CONTENTS 05 10 12 A Word From The Exit Financial The President Process Health Check 5 14 16 20 Player Retirement Education and Wellbeing Scheme Professional Services 5 Development5 22 24 Alumni Injury and Membership Hardship Fund 3 4 2020 AFL PLAYERS’ | TRANSITION SERVICES GUIDE A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT PATRICK DANGERFIELD The world has faced some significant challenges in 2020 and as AFL footballers we have not been immune from these. The game has provided us with routine, from those who have already re-entered the connection and purpose during this time, workforce, to those likely to be re-listed but there will be some feeling a sense of by a club – and they have designed anxiety about what lays ahead for them programs tailored to suit wherever you come season’s end. sit on that spectrum. There’s excitement that comes with it The skills and knowledge we develop but I’m sure there are mixed emotions. I during our time as AFL players, combined imagine some are feeling lost, while others with a comprehensive and unique transition are more excited by the opportunities and program, make us valuable prospects for even the unknown. any employer Either way, it’s important you stay So, regardless of where you’re at in your engaged with the AFLPA, make personal journey, use the PA’s services because you development a priority and focus on the never know what extra opportunities you next stage of your career, wherever it could uncover. takes you. Congratulations on your career and good 5 The PA understands all players will be at luck for whatever lies ahead. different stages of their transition journey – 2020 AFL PLAYERS’ | TRANSITION SERVICES GUIDE MY FIRST 12 MONTHS PAST PLAYER JIMMY TOUMPAS Being a high draft pick, I had quite high that focus on construction services, expectations of my career. The AFL system residential development and property was much more challenging than what I management, among other things. had anticipated and after a few years in, and not really cementing a spot in either Having so many focus areas meant I was Melbourne or Port Adelaide’s 22, I started able to try my hand at different things taking my off-field development and learn as much as I could about the more seriously. construction industry while I was with Quattro. Balancing study and my internship I was still quite young and at that point felt for 18 months was really beneficial and like I was going to have a long career but gave me a bit of a taste of what a typical I began to put a plan in place just in case 9-5 job would look like post my things didn’t work out how I had hoped. football career. Preparing my life away from football meant that when I was delisted at the end of 2018, When the invitation to the AFL Players’ I was well-prepared and had things in place Transition Camp was extended to me there to step into post-footy. was a bit of trepidation prior to going. Although I knew some of the players Obviously, it was a dream of mine to play who had been to the inaugural camp AFL football and have what I hoped would had received jobs and leads from their have been a long and successful career, experience, there was a level of concern and even though it didn’t work out I was still that it would be Victorian-focused. My able to live out my dream and put plans in goals for the two days would be to meet place which I could then step into people, network and see where the straight away. journey could go in terms of learning and connecting with the post-football career Two years ago I developed a passion for of my dreams. I’ve always been big on the property industry. During that time networking throughout my career and I my passion was in construction and so I really enjoy meeting new people, so after started a Cert IV in Building Construction speaking to my AFLPA Regional Manager through TAFE SA while I was still playing Jace Bode and Port Adelaide PDM John 6 football and complemented that study Hinge about the camp I jumped at the with an internship at property company, opportunity and gained a heap from the Quattro. They’re quite a diverse company experience. 2020 AFL PLAYERS’ | TRANSITION SERVICES GUIDE Before attending, I put together a list of brings to you. Learn as much as you can the companies and businesses that were about the club you’re at, the game plan and presenting and which of those I wanted to everything that comes with it but after that speak to first, and worked out the sort of time it’s important to take your career into questions I wanted to ask. There were a your own hands from an off-field point few property companies and ones in the of view. property industry, including Ray White Real Estate, so I went and had conversations Over the last couple of years the AFLPA with them and gathered some information. and the club PDMs have been brilliant in After the camp, I followed up with a few of helping players put things in place as well the companies and sent emails thanking as educating them on what your options are them for their time and reiterated what I outside of football and how best to utilise wanted to achieve. I was fortunate enough your half-day and days off. I wish I had that to get a positive response from one of the knowledge in my first year. directors of Ray White in Ferntree Gully. For the players that do finish up their career Although he was based in Melbourne, he this year, the Transition Camp is an amazing passed on the contact details for one of opportunity to meet so many people. You’ll the South Australian directors. I met with have the chance to meet other players him prior to Christmas and received a job who have finished their careers and share offer shortly after, which is really exciting. It stories about your experiences, whilst also goes to show that if you put your best foot making good mates. I know for the boys forward and attack everything you do in a interstate there is trepidation about going positive manner, things can work in your and wondering whether or not you’ll get favour. I give this advice to any first-year something out of it. I was fortunate enough player, and although I figured it out after to get a job from it, but at the very least a few years, it’s something I wish I knew you’ll make connections and generate when I first entered the AFL system. leads. It’s a really beneficial two days and you get out as much as you’re willing to It’s important to take the first 12 months of put in. your AFL career in and really enjoy what it 7 2020 AFL PLAYERS’ | TRANSITION SERVICES GUIDE RECOGNISE WHAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED While this transitional period in your career player being less than six years. 10-15 year may be a whirlwind, it’s also a great time careers at the top level are a rarity. to acknowledge and reflect on what you’ve For every player that begins an AFL achieved. Around 1500 players nominate career each season, there’s a player whose for the AFL National Draft each year, and of career ends. More than 100 players were those, less than 10 per cent find their way either delisted or retired at the end of the onto an AFL list. Being selected by an AFL 2019 season. Those leaving the game club is an enormous achievement in itself. in 2020 will do so with plenty of great In this era, AFL football comes with more memories but, more importantly, an demands than ever. The competitiveness understanding of how to approach a of the industry – together with the physical career with a professional mindset. Your and emotional stresses that come with understanding of what’s required to AFL football – has meant players’ careers reach an elite level in sport will hold you are significantly shorter than they were in in great stead for your future successes – the past, with the average career of an AFL whichever career path you take. MAXIMISE YOUR TRANSITION The AFL Players’ Association aims to ensure that every young athlete who enters the game leaves with more education, more skills and more opportunities for a career after football. Our goal is to provide you with a range of resources and programs to assist you in achieving successful careers and lives through football. Make sure you utilise the services available to maximise your transition out of AFL football. Your AFLPA Regional Manager is your link to the AFLPA and they are passionate about helping you achieve further professional opportunities post your playing career. Ensure you take the time to meet with them and discuss the services available to you. Feel free to contact them at any stage throughout your transition. Congratulations and best of luck with your next chapter. Ben Smith 8 General Manager – Player Development M: 0437 770 485 E: [email protected] 2020 AFL PLAYERS’ | TRANSITION SERVICES GUIDE BUILDING YOUR FUTURE Embarking on the next stage of your life and career can be both exciting and daunting.